e-Journal

8/16

More than 35 attorneys and judges attend Bench-Bar Breakfast Forum in Fall River

Highlights included a discussion on time standards and MassCOURTS Lite

Earlier this morning at the Fall River District Courthouse, the MBA, in collaboration with the Bristol Bar Association, hosted the second installment of the Bench-Bar Breakfast Forum. Mediated by MBA Vice President Denise Squillante, a group of more than 35 judges and attorneys gathered to discuss issues and concerns about the court system.

Several judges spoke on behalf of the implementation of Time Standards. Both judges and attorneys agreed that both sides need to improve communication in order to better suit the needs of everyone. The panel also considered the impact of the new MassCOURTS Lite, a database of court records throughout the state.

The MBA plans to bring these meetings between attorneys and judges to each Massachusetts county over the course of the next year.

Legislator of the Year

MBA and Mass. Lawyers Weekly present Legal Technology Expo

More than 30 vendors to exhibit at Nov. 29 event

For the first time in nine years, Massachusetts attorneys will be presented with the latest technology innovations to aid in the practice of law at a centrally located, all-day legal trade show this fall. More than 30 exhibitors and 16 tutorials will be presented this fall in partnership with Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

“Providing information and access to technological support for practicing attorneys in Massachusetts, particularly attorneys in solo or small firm practices, is a priority for the MBA as we work to support the day-to-day practices of our members,” MBA Executive Director Marilyn J. Wellington said. “We’re proud to partner with Lawyers Weekly on this important initiative.”

The legal technology trade show follows in the footsteps of similar successful events held annually in New York and other markets. This year’s expo aims to bring the same high level of technological innovation to Bay State practitioners, who can learn ways to simplify their practices and make their offices run more efficiently. Dozens of vendors will display their products and some will hold “Tech Talks” throughout the day.

The expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Needham Sheraton Hotel. Look for details about registration and pricing in upcoming issues of e-Journal.

Vendors interested in participating in the expo should reserve a spot soon, as space is limited. Contact MBA Business Activities Manager Joe Caci at (617) 338-0516 or via e-mail for more details.

Practical “how-to” seminars offered for small firm and solo attorneys at three convenient venues in Massachusetts

Increase revenues, decrease stress and take better care of clients

In mid-September, the Massachusetts Bar Association is pleased to present the “Practical Solutions Series.” The seminar series will be led by Mark Powers, president of Atticus, a nationally-recognized organization that specializes in training and development for attorneys. MBA’s Law Practice Management and General Practice, Solo & Small Firm sections will sponsor the three seminars that will instruct attorneys on how to increase revenues, decrease stress and take better care of clients.

Powers will lead the seminars in Worcester, Boston and Taunton. The series will kick-off on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at the DCU Center in Worcester; it will be repeated on Sept. 19 at the MBA headquarters in Boston; and then offered a final time on Sept. 20 at the Holiday Inn in Taunton.

Each of the three one-day seminars comprises morning and afternoon sessions. Powers will cover “Essential Time Management Tools for the Stressed-Out Attorney” from 8:30 a.m. to noon and “How Good Attorneys Become Great Rainmakers” from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Half-day tuition for members is $75, while full-day tuition is $145. Non-MBA member are $150 for half-day and $220 for the full-day.

“Not only are we thrilled to partner with Atticus to provide the Practical Solutions Series to our members, we were intent on offering each of the three seminars in easy-to-reach locations for many solo and small firm practitioners,” said MBA Executive Director Marilyn J. Wellington. “We realize all attorneys, especially those in small firms, are often hard-pressed to find time away from the office, but we hope that the three different locations add convenience for attorneys to attend such a worthwhile educational program.”

The September “Practical Solutions Series” will be the first of several series presented by Atticus to bring MBA members and other practitioners throughout the state valuable “how-to’s” for effective law practice management.

To register or for more information, contact the MBA’s Member Services Center at (617) 338-0530 or membership.

Reserve your space at the Family Law Conference

R.S.V.P. for Friday night dinner by Sept. 20

Family Law Conference

Course #: FLA08

Sept. 28, 6 p.m. – Saturday, Sept. 29, 4p.m.

Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, 55 Lee Road, Lenox

The theme of this year’s Massachusetts Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council is “Deciding, Proving, and Planning for Best Interests – When Family Law Cases Affect Children.” This conference will provide you with a unique opportunity to meet judges, socialize with colleagues and update your skills as you learn techniques and gain insights from our distinguished panel members consisting of judges and family law experts.

Trying or resolving a motor vehicle case requires an understanding of the latest developments in automobile tort law, in addition to effective trial techniques. This classic program will steer you in the right direction by providing the most practical and up-to-date information available on auto law and trial techniques in Massachusetts, with a balance between plaintiff and defense perspectives.

Casemaker has had many new features added, including: CaseCheck, an enhanced case law search results function, database availability for all 50 states, nationwide collections of combined Supreme Court and ethics opinions and more. This training session will be held in a computer lab setting that will provide participants with the use of a computer and online access to Casemaker.

NOTE: Because space at Casemaker trainings is limited, online enrollment is not available. To register for a Casemaker training session, call Member Services at (617) 338-0530 or toll-free at (877) 676-6500.

Join us for this practical seminar that will cover the mechanics of preparing to file a lawsuit from start to finish. Our experienced faculty will begin by conducting mock client interviews and then discuss the legal, ethical and client issues raised during the interviews, as well as other issues associated with lawsuit preparation.

Celtics luxury suites available for 2007-08 season

Treat your group to a luxury suite at a Celtics game. Suites at the TD Banknorth Garden offer fans the chance to experience the excitement of a game, while also providing the comfort of a private setting with well-appointed amenities. If you are looking to entertain clients, reward employees for outstanding performance, or host a holiday party, consider reserving your very own suite for a game.

Luxury suites are now available for individual Celtics games and include 18 tickets, with the option to add more tickets as needed. Various catering options are also available.

For more information or to make your suite reservation, contact the Premium Sales Department at (617) 854-8061 or MBA. Suite inventory is limited, so contact us soon to make your reservation.